Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

Dwaraka opens at Mount Lavinia 3 Brothers Italian Bistro

Dwaraka opens at Mount Lavinia

- text Suhashana Wijayaratn­a

The menu reflects that of a typical Italian meal starting out with a selection of antipasti- the first course. However, the menu doesn’t limit you if you aren’t in the mood for cured meats, dried olives and cheeses but also includes a selection of bruschetta, soups and salads

The words ‘traditiona­l’ and ‘simple’ usually go hand in hand when referring to Italian cuisine as most traditiona­l Italian dishes comprise a few simple ingredient­s which are carefully selected and served at their prime. 3Brothers Italian Bistro places great emphasis on serving traditiona­l and simple Italian dishes with the aim of giving guests an authentic experience. From cured meats to cheeses to wines, 3Brothers pride themselves on importing high quality ingredient­s, and wherever possible, buying the highest quality local produce to create their mouth-watering dishes. In fact, they make it available to anyone interested in shopping for Italian imported products. They’ve stocked shelves full of imported goods, including a counter where cured meats and cheeses can be purchased.

While Italian cuisine lovers are more than welcome to patronise 3Brothers right away, the official launch dates are yet to be announced. The restaurant is currently open only for dinner and plan on opening for lunch as well in the near future. The menu will also expand to include traditiona­l Italian cocktails and more of a food selection. The restaurant is spacious and includes a bar, a woodfire clay oven on display, and shelves and a counter from which guests can purchase some of the imported products used to make their dishes. It’s a kid-friendly restaurant so families are more than welcome.

Going to the menu, it reflects that of a typical Italian meal starting out with a selection of antipasti- the first course. However, the menu doesn’t limit you if you aren’t in the mood for cured meats, dried olives and cheeses but also includes a selection of bruschetta, soups and salads.

From the antipasti we tried the Platter for Two (Rs. 1900) which was a selection of European cold cuts, cheeses, marinated vegetables and dips. We highly recommend giving this a go.

From the selection of Bruschetta, we chose the Sautéed Mushroom, Sage a Truffle Oil Bruschetta (Rs. 770) and man, oh man was that delicious. The garlicky, buttery coated mushrooms were delish.

We gave the Chicken Parm (chicken, parmesan, pecorino, tomato and grana Padano cheese) a go. Take it from someone who wouldn’t usually go for the soup option off the menu if they could help it, this is one soup you’ve got to try (Rs. 550).

The mains are split between pastas and pizzas. From the pasta selection we tried the Carbonara, a favoured dish among most Italian food lovers. Fun fact alert: traditiona­l carbonara doesn’t contain cream whereas the American carbonara (the one we are used to) does. The one served at 3Brothers is the traditiona­l dish, not something the Sri Lankan palate is used to. This dish was a bit dry and became slightly monotonous to eat as a result. (Rs. 1450).

From the pizza selection we went with the half-n- half option and tried the Spicy Italian Chorizo and Mozzarella as one half, and the other Charred Leeks, Potato, Herbs, Cheddar and White Sauce (Rs. 1510). The pizza was made in a woodfire clay oven in the Napoli style where the crust is puffy around the edges and gets thinner towards the middle, and slightly blackened by the fire which all adds to the taste. The Spicy Italian Chorizo was super. As promised, it had a spicy and slightly salty kick to it. The Charred leeks and potato pizza was the most interestin­g and exciting to try. One critique though was that the herbs used were overpoweri­ng the taste of the other elements of the pizza and it should have been used more sparingly. For our after-dinner indulgence we tried the Traditiona­l Tiramisu with mascarpone, rum and coffee (Rs. 660) and it was fabulous. It hit a balance of rich and textural, bold and satisfying without being unpleasant­ly heavy.

From the drinks we tried the Cookies and Cream Milkshake

(Rs. 550) which was very good and the Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Rs. 500) which I’ve been craving ever since. Made according to the traditiona­l recipe, the Vietnamese Iced Coffee was slightly bitter (as coffee should be) but sweetened by the dollop of condensed milk resting at the bottom of the glass. It was slightly heavy but heavenly all the same.

The wait staff were very friendly and obliging although it was a little difficult to catch their attention, despite it being a slightly slower day than usual.

If we are to nitpick on one other thing, we do feel more attention should be paid to the presentati­on and cleanlines­s of the bathroom. Overall, we were impressed and would definitely come again.

- Elizabeth Olsen - “I get way too much happiness from good food”

Dwaraka, a pure vegetarian spot for authentic North and South Indian flavours opened their second restaurant at No.10, Old Quarry Road, Mount Lavinia recently. The fully air conditione­d restaurant has a spacious dining area that comfortabl­y accommodat­es 100 persons with all modern facilities. In a move to be truly Indian in what is prepared, Dwaraka employs a set of chefs brought from India specialise­d in South Indian and North Indian cuisines. It offers more than a fine dining experience for a family with convenienc­e and comforts .The location is ideal for spending more time with family or friends.

Dwaraka is open from 10a.m to 10 p.m.

Dwaraka has two exclusive spacious dining rooms with a capacity of 25 heads each for groups to enjoy foods with privacy. Naan, Parata, Masala, Rotty, Chettinad Cuisine, Paneer, Dosai, String Hoppers, Rice, Noodles, Fried Rice, Kottu, Vadai, Soup, Biriyani, Short eats, Salads, Raita, Starters, Fruit Juice, Lassi, Soft Drinks, Tea, Coffee and any food you name is available at Dwaraka. Apart from Dwaraka’s special delivery service, home delivery can be arranged with Uber and Pick Me services. The restaurant has a large car park for the customers’ convenienc­e. Outdoor catering orders are undertaken for parties and fuctions. An introducto­ry special benefits are available these days at Dwaraka, Mount Lavinia.

 ?? PHOTS KUSHAN PATHIRAJA ??
PHOTS KUSHAN PATHIRAJA
 ??  ?? The Spicy Italian Chorizo & Mozzarella, Charred Leeks, Potato, Herbs, Cheddar & White Sauce
The Spicy Italian Chorizo & Mozzarella, Charred Leeks, Potato, Herbs, Cheddar & White Sauce
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 ??  ?? Sautéed Mushroom, Sage a Truffle Oil Bruschetta
Sautéed Mushroom, Sage a Truffle Oil Bruschetta
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Carbonara
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